On Sunday, 6 July, Hastings United Inclusive and Disability Team made the long journey up to Dorking, where they hosted their annual football tournament, and the first including a Hastings United team.
When Hastings arrived, they found out that there was some serious competition playing, with teams such as Brighton, Fulham, and Crystal Palace all sending their own teams into this tournament. Regardless of this, Hastings were determined to put on a good show for those that came to support them, and played arguably their best football to date.
Game 1 – Hastings United played against Fulham, and settled into the game from the first minute. Despite the Fulham goalkeeper making incredible saves early on, Hastings eventually found a way through, with a brilliant header from defender Alex, who went up and was delivered a brilliant cross from a corner by Elijah. Hastings then battled hard to push for a second goal, but remained firm and never looked like conceding, due to brilliant pressing from Leeroy, Charlie and Ed. In the final few minutes of the game, the Fulham goalkeeper went upwards to help the teams effort, but after a brilliant clearance by Alex, Elijah managed to run onto it and just about reach it to tap the ball into an empty net, making it 2-0 to Hastings. Elijah was being a nuisance to the Fulham defence all game, and Gary and Jack would constantly cut out any danger that could potentially lead to a chance for Fulham. Joe was able to contribute to tackles and throw ins, and Sam managed to help build attacks from goal, helping us dominate the game over Fulham. Aaron captained the game brilliantly, leading the team throughout the game to the full time whistle, securing an amazing win for Hastings. After the first game, the team were in high spirits and were looking forward to their next games, trying to replicate their previous performance.
Game 2 – was against Hampton, who had travelled all the way from near Peterborough, and were there to win. They took an early 1-0 lead due to a defensive mixup, however Hastings battled extremely hard to create chances and get back into the game. This paid off, as Elijah had a shot which the defender couldn’t stop going in the net, and Hastings could have had more through brilliant chances created by Jack, Charlie and Shaun. It was a very fierce game, with some controversial tackles flying in from both sides, and Sam’s goal being peppered with shots, but due to some amazing saves and defensive composure from Alex and Aaron, the scoreline remained 1-1 at full time. This was a result Hastings were ultimately happy with, however they knew that they could improve and do even better.
Game 3 – was against Brighton, who had a mixture of players that Hastings have played many times before in the league, but also players from the division above. This meant they had to battle extra hard if they wanted to top their group and get into the grand final, and battle they did, as Hastings constantly created chances, playing out from the back with Sam, Alex, Aaron and Shaun spreading passes around, and moving the ball up field. An early chance came for Aaron which he was very unfortunate to get to, but he got his first official goal for the club a few moments later, with a brilliant finish from close range. However with other scores, Hastings had to push on for more goals, and Ed scored a second for Hastings, another very good finish. But Hastings needed more, and kept pushing onwards, getting a third goal, with a brilliant finish from range by Ed again. Due to the brilliant resilience, perseverance and determination from the whole team, Hastings ended up winning 3-0, however it was not enough to top the group, as Hastings missed out by just one goal. Despite this, Hastings still had an opportunity to do themselves proud, and had finished 2nd place in their group, and qualifying for the 3rd place playoff. This game was against Crystal Palace, and every member of the Hastings team not only wanted to win, but showed with their performance that they wanted to win this game. A bullet header from Ed early on put Hastings 1-0 up, before Ed took his tally and Hastings’ tally to 2 goals with a lovely top corner finish. Crystal Palace weren’t going to go down easy, and they fought back with a brilliant goal to make it 2-1, which Sam couldn’t do anything about. A goal from Charlie came next to make it 3-1, before Alex rounded off the scoring with another top corner finish, making it 4-1 to Hastings. Crystal Palace still battled on, but an immense defensive effort from Alex and Shaun prevented most chances, with Sam making brilliant saves when needed to. Gary and Jack controlled the midfield, and Aaron captained the side to another win, securing 3rd place for Hastings United. During the thunderstorms and heavy rain, Hastings United shone through, and went unbeaten throughout the whole tournament, which is an unbelievable achievement, considering the nerves on the journey towards the football ground. This was the first tournament with new coach Charlie Gordon, and it shows huge promise for us going into pre season for 25/26.
Unfortunately we do have to say goodbye to one of our players. Elijah Smith, who has been an integral part of the team for the past 20 months, who has gone on to progress his career and education, however he will always be welcome back into the team, should he wish to return. The manager’s player of the day goes to Alex Dyer for some amazing defensive performances, whilst also getting an assist and two goals. This award could have gone to any player however, as every single person played to the best of their ability
Lewis Willard – Head Coach
